Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

MJFF grant supports therapies for PRKN-related disease

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) has awarded a $4.5 million grant to Nine Square Therapeutics to advance the development of potential treatments for a genetic form of Parkinson’s disease. “The Michael J. Fox Foundation grant will go toward accelerating the identification of drug…

Magnetic brain stimulation eases symptoms in mouse model

A treatment that works to stimulate the brain using weak magnetic waves effectively eased symptoms in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, a new study reports. Researchers hope to start a small-scale study soon testing this treatment in people. “The technology is proven and it’s harmless and we want…

GBA1 mutation linked to higher Parkinson’s risk among Africans

A mutation in the GBA1 gene is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease among people of African ancestry, a new study shows. While other mutations in GBA1 have previously been linked with Parkinson’s, this mutation, which is particularly common in people of African ancestry, has not been associated before with…

ND0612 beat oral levodopa/carbidopa at controlling motor symptoms

ND0612, a formulation of levodopa/carbidopa delivered continuously under the skin by a pump, was more effective than standard oral levodopa/carbidopa at controlling motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease without causing problematic side effects. Those top-line findings from the Phase 3 BouNDless clinical trial were announced earlier this year,…

COVID-19 pandemic affected patient well-being: UK survey

The COVID-19 pandemic has had some negative physical and social impacts on the overall well-being of people with Parkinson’s disease, a new study highlights. Therefore, it’s important for clinicians to help patients get social support, not just address physical symptoms of the disease as pandemic-related restrictions ease, researchers wrote…